Melton Race 5 - Eco Timber Group Pace
TO THE NINES (1) has come from the back row in all three starts this time in and has managed to place in his last two, missing by a head after racing wide two back at Boort then working home well at Charlton. Race fit now and is well served by the ace draw. BLACKINDEED (6) found winning form last start at Ballarat. Draws wider but came from a similar barrier when winning four back and owns good statistics at this circuit and distance. TORQUE POWER (2) was beaten only 2.7m into third from this barrier last start at Ararat and owns a decent strike rate at this distance. WIND SOCK (3) backs up after fading out of a stronger race on Tuesday but has claims off the Bendigo placing prior.

Driver: Connor Clarke
Stats
Comments
Last start was well beaten into second behind Heatseeker at Charlton over 2100m in a NR 50 to 55 on March 15 at $8. Raced better the start before that with a good run despite getting well back, when 3rd (Sr2) over 2150m at Birchip was 6th-6.6 at the bell, beaten a head by Shotinthedark (2:41.10) in NR up to 55 on March 8 at $4.60. Draws the pegs so he gets his chance.
Last Starts 0 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/9 | 27/03/2026 | 12 | NR 52 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Mildura | 1790m | Connor Clarke | 1:57.8 | 2 |
| 8.7L | $2.50 | |
| 2/12 | 15/03/2026 | 7 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Charlton | 2100m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:54.7 | 5 |
| 15.1L | $8.00 |
| 3/7 | 08/03/2026 | 7 | NR up to 55 | $8,000.00 | Birchip | 2150m | Neutral | Ryan Backhouse | 2:00.6 | 2 |
| 0.2L | $4.60 |
| 5/8 | 01/03/2026 | 78 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Boort | 2250m | W | Ryan Backhouse | 2:01.0 | 2 |
| 5.3L | $4.20 |
| 10/12 | 13/12/2025 | 8 | No NR | $100,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:53.6 | 1 |
| 26.1L | $151.00 |
| 3/8 | 05/12/2025 | 9 | No NR | $10,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:55.2 | 7 |
| 13.7L | $26.00 |
| 6/12 | 26/11/2025 | 11 | No NR | $15,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:54.6 | 2 |
| 11.2L | $12.00 |
| 5/9 | 22/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Ryan Backhouse | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 | ||
| 1/5 | 15/09/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Stawell | 1785m | Ryan Backhouse | 0 |
| 3.5L | $0.00 |

Driver: Kerryn Manning
Stats
Comments
Improved last start with a solid effort when 3rd (Fr2) over 1790m at Ararat was 6th-8.5 at the bell, beaten 2.75 m by The Naked Art (2:10.00) in NR 56 to 62 on March 23 at $3.90. From a good draw may prove hard to beat.
Last Starts 4 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 23/03/2026 | 8 | NR 56 to 62 | $6,000.00 | Ararat | 1790m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:56.9 | 2 |
| 2.7L | $3.90 |
| 10/12 | 15/03/2026 | 1 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Charlton | 2100m | Neutral | Jodi Quinlan | 1:54.5 | 4 |
| 32.9L | $23.00 |
| 4/9 | 14/03/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:54.9 | 4 |
| 8.9L | $6.00 |
| 8/11 | 07/03/2026 | 12 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:56.4 | 5 |
| 10.2L | $71.00 |
| 3/8 | 23/02/2026 | 10 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Hamilton | 2160m | Neutral | Jason Lee | 1:57.7 | 5 |
| 3.2L | $19.00 |
| 6/7 | 13/02/2026 | 4 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Terang | 2180m | Neutral | Kerryn Manning | 1:59.5 | 3 |
| 9.3L | $11.00 |
| 5/7 | 07/08/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Horsham | 2200m | Kerryn Manning | 0 |
| 0.2L | $0.00 | ||
| 4/7 | 16/03/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Brent Murphy | 0 |
| 6L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jackie Barker
Stats
Comments
Last start 6th (Fr3) over 1720m after showing early pace at this track, beaten 10 m by Big Bad Ossie (2:02.80) in 0W/15 0K stake on March 14 at $15. At the run before good run when 3rd (Sr1) over 2240m at this track was 6th-10.71 at the bell, beaten 13 m by Ravishing Ruby (2:43.20) in NR up to 57 on March 7 at $26. Solid top-three prospects.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/9 | 14/03/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Paul Grech | 1:54.9 | 3 |
| 10.7L | $15.00 |
| 3/6 | 07/03/2026 | 9 | NR up to 57 | $8,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Paul Grech | 1:57.2 | 1 |
| 13.1L | $26.00 |
| 2/8 | 26/02/2026 | 34 | NR 52 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Paul Grech | 1:58.7 | 5 |
| 18.1L | $26.00 |
| 7/10 | 23/01/2026 | 7 | NR 55 to 62 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Blake Pace | 1:56.6 | 3 |
| 13.3L | $19.00 |
| 10/10 | 16/01/2026 | 16 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Geelong | 1609m | Neutral | Paul Grech | 1:56.5 | 2 |
| 16.0L | $17.00 |
| 3/8 | 31/12/2025 | 12 | 0W/15 0K stake | $8,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Connor Clarke | 1:56.2 | 6 |
| 16.7L | $26.00 |
| 1/3 | 28/09/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Paul Grech | 0 |
| 8L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/6 | 19/10/2022 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Annalise Scott | 0 |
| 0L | $0.00 |

Driver: James Herbertson
Stats
Comments
Last start 7th (Sr6) over 2240m at this track beaten 30 m by Fire Marshall (2:40.10) in 0W/15 0K stake on March 21 at $51. At the run before broke in score up and was out of position at the start 9th (Fr7) over 1720m at this track, beaten 17 m by Big Bad Ossie (2:02.80) in 0W/15 0K stake on March 14 at $9. Rates highly on best form and he is a player.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/11 | 21/03/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:55.0 | 6 |
| 29.5L | $51.00 |
| 5/6 | 17/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 24.8L | $0.00 | |
| 9/9 | 14/03/2026 | 8 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Ewa Justice | 1:54.9 | 7 |
| 17.4L | $9.00 |
| 2/10 | 06/03/2026 | 8 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:57.5 | 5 |
| 2.3L | $2.50 |
| 1/8 | 26/02/2026 | 7 | NR 52 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:58.7 | 3 |
| 18.1L | $1.50 |
| 5/10 | 19/02/2026 | 14 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Alex Ashwood | 1:53.4 | 2 |
| 6.9L | $5.50 |
| 4/12 | 05/02/2026 | 7 | NR 56 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Alex Ashwood | 1:56.8 | 4 |
| 9.4L | $9.00 |
| 1/4 | 24/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | James Herbertson | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Jordan Leedham
Stats
Comments
Last start by 1.2 m after showing early speed, (Fr2) at Ballarat (2:01.20) beating Im Wesley in NR 51 to 56 on March 5 at $4 at the bell was leading 2.26. Winning claims again.
Last Starts 22 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/12 | 05/03/2026 | 14 | NR 51 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:54.1 | 2 |
| 1.2L | $4.00 |
| 11/12 | 19/02/2026 | 21 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:54.2 | 1 |
| 67.5L | $6.50 |
| 2/10 | 29/01/2026 | 21 | NR 48 to 53 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:55.8 | 6 |
| 0.2L | $4.60 |
| 1/9 | 08/01/2026 | 22 | NR 42 to 48 | $4,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:57.2 | 7 |
| 1.3L | $2.80 |
| 4/11 | 17/12/2025 | 16 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:53.7 | 2 |
| 4.0L | $7.00 |
| 2/12 | 01/12/2025 | 18 | NR 49 to 54 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | James Herbertson | 1:56.7 | 1 |
| 3.7L | $3.40 |
| 1/9 | 25/03/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Greg Sugars | 0 |
| 3.6L | $0.00 | |
| 4/6 | 11/03/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 1720m | Good | Craig Demmler | 0 |
| 25.2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Luke Dunne
Stats
Comments
Recent efforts haven't been up to his best. Last start 5th (Fr3) over 1720m at this track, beaten 3 m by Vincenzo (2:03.50) in 0W/15 0K stake on March 14 at $8.50. The run prior 6th (Sr4) over 1710m at Ballarat was 9th-17.92 at the bell, beaten 10 m by Blackindeed (2:01.20) in NR 51 to 56 on March 5 at $19. Go well.
Last Starts 13 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8 | 14/03/2026 | 9 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:55.5 | 3 |
| 3.1L | $8.50 |
| 6/12 | 05/03/2026 | 26 | NR 51 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Blake Pace | 1:54.1 | 4 |
| 10.0L | $19.00 |
| 2/12 | 07/02/2026 | 8 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Kilmore | 1690m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:56.8 | 4 |
| 4.1L | $5.50 |
| 3/9 | 30/01/2026 | 11 | NR 60 to 69 | $10,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Luke Dunne | 1:54.0 | 4 |
| 6.0L | $18.00 |
| 5/7 | 19/01/2026 | 13 | NR 55 to 64 | $7,000.00 | Charlton | 2100m | Neutral | Blake Pace | 1:56.7 | 2 |
| 5.1L | $26.00 |
| 8/10 | 06/01/2026 | 8 | NR 56 to 62 | $7,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Jordan Leedham | 1:54.9 | 2 |
| 10.6L | $5.00 |
| 3/4 | 14/01/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Gawler | 2070m | C L Johnson | 0 |
| 62L | $0.00 | ||
| 4/7 | 02/04/2023 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Globe Derby | 1800m | C L Johnson | 0 |
| 1L | $0.00 |

Driver: Ewa Justice
Stats
Comments
Didn't do much last start, was driven from back in the field when 5th (Fr5) over 2240m after being wide early at this track, beaten 22 m by Fire Marshall (2:40.10) in 0W/15 0K stake on March 21 at $151. Before that was driven from back in the field when 7th (Fr6) over 1720m at this track, beaten 14 m by Big Bad Ossie (2:02.80) in 0W/15 0K stake on March 14 at $51. Not keen on his chances in this field.
Last Starts 6 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/11 | 21/03/2026 | 7 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | John Justice | 1:55.0 | 5 |
| 22.8L | $151.00 |
| 7/9 | 14/03/2026 | 211 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | John Justice | 1:54.9 | 6 |
| 14.7L | $51.00 |
| 5/8 | 10/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | John Justice | 0 |
| 23.9L | $0.00 | |
| 7/11 | 15/08/2025 | 14 | NR 57 to 62 | $8,000.00 | Launceston | 2200m | W | Jordan Chibnall | 2:00.3 | 7 |
| 15.9L | $19.00 |
| 3/9 | 01/08/2025 | 5 | NR 55 to 58 | $8,000.00 | Launceston | 1680m | Neutral | M T Jones | 1:56.9 | 4 |
| 11.8L | $11.00 |
| 4/9 | 27/07/2025 | 16 | NR 56 to 63 | $9,700.00 | Launceston | 2200m | Neutral | M T Jones | 1:57.2 | 1 |
| 12.3L | $19.00 |
| 3/3 | 19/07/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Carrick | 2150m | M T Jones | 0 |
| 4.1L | $0.00 | ||
| 8/12 | 11/07/2025 | 5 | NR 53 to 57 | $8,000.00 | Launceston | 1680m | Neutral | M T Jones | 1:57.0 | 6 |
| 15.4L | $21.00 |

Driver: Leilani Justice
Stats
Comments
Two back was well beaten into eighth behind Vincenzo at this track over 1720m in a 0W/15 0K stake on March 14 at $51. Then a handy effort when beaten by 6 m finishing second after showing early speed, behind Midnight Mojo at this track over 2240m in a NR up to 49 on March 20 at $2.40. Can improve. Consider.
Last Starts 7 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/10 | 20/03/2026 | 6 | NR up to 49 | $4,000.00 | Melton | 2240m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:57.2 | 2 |
| 6.5L | $2.40 |
| 8/8 | 14/03/2026 | 9 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:55.5 | 1 |
| 15.5L | $51.00 |
| 1/7 | 10/03/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Melton | 2240m | Good | Leilani Justice | 0 |
| 3.3L | $0.00 | |
| 2/8 | 05/03/2026 | 6 | NR 38 to 44 | $4,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:56.5 | 4 |
| 0.2L | $3.40 |
| 2/11 | 27/02/2026 | 4 | NR up to 50 | $8,000.00 | Ararat | 1790m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:58.7 | 2 |
| 1.1L | $23.00 |
| 4/7 | 23/02/2026 | 11 | NR up to 50 | $6,000.00 | Hamilton | 1660m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:54.5 | 3 |
| 7.3L | $5.00 |
| 6/10 | 12/02/2026 | 4 | NR up to 50 | $6,000.00 | Kilmore | 2180m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 2:00.0 | 2 |
| 15.7L | $23.00 |
| 2/3 | 31/01/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Leilani Justice | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 |

Driver: Brent Murphy
Stats
Comments
Last start 7th (Fr3) over 2200m after showing early speed at Ballarat, at the bell was 2nd-2.29 beaten 14 m by Starzinhereyes (2:43.00) in NR 48 to 52 on March 19 at $1.75. Two runs back 3rd (Fr1) over 1720m at this track, beaten 4 m by Big Bad Ossie (2:02.80) in 0W/15 0K stake on March 14 at $26. Looking to others.
Last Starts 8 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/7 | 19/03/2026 | 5 | NR 48 to 52 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 2200m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:59.3 | 3 |
| 14.5L | $1.75 |
| 3/9 | 14/03/2026 | 9 | 0W/15 0K stake | $15,000.00 | Melton | 1720m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:54.9 | 1 |
| 4.2L | $26.00 |
| 11/12 | 05/03/2026 | 6 | NR 51 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:54.1 | 5 |
| 17.0L | $81.00 |
| 6/9 | 27/02/2026 | 8 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ararat | 1790m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:55.4 | 5 |
| 32.3L | $23.00 |
| 7/12 | 19/02/2026 | 8 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Ballarat | 1710m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:54.2 | 2 |
| 8.6L | $21.00 |
| 3/7 | 11/02/2026 | 6 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Leilani Justice | 1:55.8 | 3 |
| 7.8L | $12.00 |
| 1/5 | 29/03/2025 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bacchus Marsh | 1940m | Leilani Justice | 0 |
| 2L | $0.00 | ||
| 2/4 | 08/05/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Newcastle | 1609m | Good | G A Panella | 0 |
| 3.8L | $0.00 |

Driver: Rodney Petroff
Stats
Comments
Last start 5th (Sr2) over 1650m at Bendigo was 7th-10.54 at the bell, beaten 15 m by Maas Betting Again (1:57.40) in NR 52 to 56 on March 18 at $11. Two runs back 2nd (Fr4) over 1690m after showing early pace at Shepparton, beaten 1.75 m by Scherger That (2:01.80) in NR 50 to 55 on March 8 at $41. Not keen.
Last Starts 9 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Driver | Mile Rate | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/10 | 18/03/2026 | 10 | NR 52 to 56 | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Rodney Petroff | 1:54.5 | 2 |
| 15.6L | $11.00 |
| 2/9 | 08/03/2026 | 16 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Rodney Petroff | 1:56.0 | 4 |
| 1.7L | $41.00 |
| 10/11 | 20/02/2026 | 254 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Neutral | Rodney Petroff | 1:58.9 | 1 |
| 34.6L | $51.00 |
| 2/3 | 09/02/2026 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | Rodney Petroff | 0 |
| 14L | $0.00 | ||
| 3/10 | 11/06/2025 | 8 | NR up to 55 | $8,000.00 | Bendigo | 1650m | Neutral | Rodney Petroff | 1:54.5 | 6 |
| 7.4L | $21.00 |
| 1/11 | 03/06/2025 | 13 | NR up to 55 | $6,000.00 | Shepparton | 1690m | Neutral | Rodney Petroff | 1:58.1 | 4 |
| 1.5L | $4.80 |
| 5/12 | 21/05/2025 | 11 | NR 50 to 55 | $6,000.00 | Maryborough | 1690m | Neutral | Josh Duggan | 1:54.5 | 3 |
| 13.8L | $21.00 |
| 3/6 | 08/04/2024 | - | Trial | $0.00 | Bendigo | 2150m | R W Petroff | 0 |
| 3L | $0.00 |